Political nightmares and the nasty party

As the results emerge (Lib Dem support collapses, 6 May), a nightmare scenario starts to look all too plausible. Collapse of Lib Dem support; voting reform off the agenda for a generation; SNP triumph leading to victory in independence referendum and drastic cut in Labour strength at Westminster; this further diminished by boundary changes. The overall outcome: permanent Tory rule in England, meted out in soul-destroying five-yearly dollops.

Richard Allen

Cambridge

• The most successful victor would seem to be someone who has led a minority government. Is this a lesson we all could learn? Legislation is a small part of governing, and while the executive is held in check, it can get on with making the system work. It might also allow parliament to really examine issues on their merits and only pass bills which command cross-party majorities.

Gerard McMullan

London

• The No to AV campaign has at least done one thing – firmly restored the Tories as the nasty party.

John Madeley

Reading

• Now the Labour No campaign seem to have what they want, will they please return to party HQ the red rose logo used for the full-page ad on 4 May.

Cecil Fudge

Hindhead, Surrey

• Paddy Ashdown predicts long-term consequences for Cameron's "breach of faith". Every student area in Sheffield (a Labour gain) knows the real consequences of a "breach of faith".

James Caruth

Sheffield

•Nick Clegg will "listen to what people are telling us", "learn lessons" and "move on". Who says oratory is dead?

Richard Green

Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

• Given the Lib Dem threats to "twist David Cameron's arm harder", what do they propose? Given the likely result if an election is called, maybe they should be put on suicide watch?

Ian Reissmann

Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

• What's the significance of the clothes pegs in the picture of votes being counted in Sheffield (6 May)? Had they been attached to voters' noses?

Anand Chitnis

London

• Went to vote. Not a single question on the Authorised Version. So disappointed.